Tuesday, May 26, 2015

We've posted previously about the magic of embed code, but we had a question this week from one of our school technology coordinators about embedding a graphing calculator tool (Desmos) into an assessment in Schoology, our LMS. While Desmos gives embed code for a graph that is saved and created (as a static .jpg or image), what if you want to embed the tool itself into a page? How can you insert an interactive tool or webpage if you don't have the actual embed code?

In this case, an easy option is to create your own using a variation of code with iframe attributes. When you embed media (like from YouTube, for example), the embed code looks like this:

The basic components above are the width, the height, and the source URL. If you want to embed something and you don't have the right embed code, you can just replace or change the parts of the code for what you want to embed.

So, in the scenario mentioned earlier for getting the graphing calculator into Schoology, I would change the code to look like this:

Once you have the code, you can decide where you would like to place it. In web pages or blogs, you may need to look for the "HTML" option and paste in the code. In something like Schoology, it's even easier. You can paste embed code into a page, a discussion board, a test/quiz question, an assignment, and/or as a link. To add embed code to interactive student activites in Schoology:

In the rich text editor window, use the "Insert Content" icon.

Choose "Image/Media."

Choose "From the Web" and make sure you choose "Media."

Paste in the code, and the embedded item will appear when you save.

When my modified code is pasted into Schoology (or somewhere else like Blogger), the embedded item below would appear. Notice that I changed the width to 100%, which automatically adjusts your embedded content to fit the window, and I made theheight number a bit bigger since there is a keypad tool that students can use. If you need to change the width or height, you can always experiment with the numbers until it looks the way you want it to.

Pretty slick! Now you can just copy and paste the code I included above and replace the URL with whatever you need. While this doesn't work for everything (and you can find embed code for most things on the web), this is a good workaround when you need to embed something and aren't provided the code.

The end of the school year is near and now it’s time to save a copy of all course materials to Schoology's digital filing cabinet (Personal Resources). Here is a quick guide that highlights two end of year tips:

Save your course to your Resources:You can save your entire course to your resources with just two clicks! Before saving your course, I would recommend going into your personal resources and creating collections for each class or having some organized system in place.
Once you are ready to save you course follow these steps:

1. Go to your course

2. Click Options (next to Add Material)

3. Select Save to Resources.

Then, once your new course is created for next year you can bring in all of your saved materials by these steps:

1. Go to your course

2. Click Add Materials

3. Select Import from Resources

Access your Archive

Your class will appear to be gone once it is no longer in session. But, it isn’t deleted. It has just been archived. You will have access to your archived courses by following these steps:

1. Click Courses in the top menu.

2. Select See All in the bottom-right corner of the drop-down menu.

3. Select Archived to see a complete list of archived courses sorted by grading period

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

In the past few months Schoology has rolled out some updates that will pretty much knock your socks off.

First, rubrics are now able to be saved as a resource and shared with others. Woo-hoo! Gone are the days of creating a rubric for an assignment and having it live only with that assignment in the course it was built. This has been one of the most requested features at Schoology, and it’s finally a reality. We recommend adding your rubrics via the Grade Setup area so you always have a master copy of a rubric you use often. Or, create a collection of rubrics in your resources so you can easily find and share them when you need them. Combine this option with the updates from February that keeps rubrics with materials when they are shared or moved and you’ve got yourself a rubric arena to play in! For more information on all the fun to be had with rubrics, check out the Schoology Blog post here.

Speaking of rubrics, the latest Android app updates will also allow mobile educators to grade student submissions on a point-based scale on an Android mobile device as well as override rubric and final grades. Not to leave anyone feeling let down, this feature is also available for those iOS educators as well! Check out these and other app updates on the Schoology Blog here.

Another update to celebrate is that notifications have been updated to now alert students when a submission is overdue. Although sharing rubrics was up there in terms of feature requests, this was the most highly requested feature from the Schoology community. And we can certainly see why! Any time a student misses a submission deadline, not only are they notified, but any parents/guardians or advisors will also be notified. How’s that for keeping everyone in the loop? The notifications will show up in an “Overdue Submissions” section above the “Upcoming” notifications. For more information on how these notifications work as well as some of the specifics for settings, check out the Schoology blog post here.

And finally, we are excited to announce that CCSD now has access to the newly created portfolio feature in Schoology! While this feature has not been opened up everywhere, our district users have early access so you can start to plan for your students future success by incorporating portfolios that capture their best work/thinking in one place. The portfolio stays with the student rather than in a course they won’t have access to once it’s over-which means they can add to it and build it over time. To access the portfolio feature (students or teachers), click on your user name in the upper right corner. On the profile page, click on Portfolios. Use the New Portfolio button at the top to add a new Portfolio, and then start adding items to the portfolio such as submissions from classes, files, links, or pages with embedded content to highlight and showcase amazing work and exemplary thinking. Leave us a comment below giving some ideas on how you might use portfolios with your students!

Around here, the Schoology Blog posts regarding site updates and new features are read immediately as we are always excited to see how Schoology has managed to outdo their previous work when it comes to supporting educators and students. We will keep you posted as more updates start to roll out over the summer!

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

If you are searching for opportunities to brush up on your technology integration skills and learn about new ways to be innovative with technology, here are some conferences and classes to think about attending/taking over the summer...

This is a conference with sessions taught by Cherry Creek teachers, coaches, and leaders. Sessions focus on Standards Implementation, Excellence and Equity, Instructional Technology, and Planning for Instruction. On Wednesday, June 10th, SLA will host a featured speaker, Mr. Rick Wormeli.

InnEdCO - (Innovative Education Colorado)- June 23-25, Keystone, CO

InnEdCO, previously known as TIE (Technology in Education), is a conference geared toward learning about current and emerging technology and how to apply this technology to your classroom or school. This year the conference is moving to Keystone from its long-standing location at Copper Mountain. InnEdCO features great keynote and guest speakers, over 150 sessions (some taught by Cherry Creek teachers and Technology and Learning Coaches), and valuable opportunities for networking with innovative teachers throughout the state. Here’s a recap of last year’s conference:

BLC- Building Learning Communities- July 15-17, Boston, MA
If you have ever heard Alan November speak, or have read one of his books, you know why this conference is a recommended one. There will be multiple, excellent keynotes including Jennie Magiera and Dylan William, and Alan November will serve as the host of the conference. This conference will focus on creating and enhancing relationships for "more meaningful teaching and learning enhanced by technology."

If you are using Schoology or if you are interested in using Schoology, this is a fantastic conference! Last year the keynotes included Alan November and Jenny Maguira, and this year is sure to include inspiring, motivating keynotes as well. One of the highlights of the conference is learning about upcoming additions and improvements to Schoology before anyone else. In addition to learning about Schoology and what it can do for you, you can improve your knowledge in the areas of Leadership, BYOD and Mobile Learning, Integrating Technology and Content, and Hot Topics in Education. Click the link provided to hear what some attendees/keynotes had to say about the conference last year:

This is a conference that pulls in educators and educational leaders from around the world. Expect engaging sessions, fantastic keynotes including NBC's Soledad O'Brien, and countless vendors showcasing their newest, most exciting hardware, software, and apps. The video below explains what you can expect to learn at ISTE 2015.

eNet Learning Online CoursesThere are many online courses being offered this spring and summer through eNet Learning Online. These courses can be taken for graduate credit, but every participant will receive CEU credits. Some of the courses offered include Designing Blended Learning, Curate, Collaborate, and Create: A Wealth of Resources, and Creativity in the Mobile Classroom. Click the link above to learn more about the courses offered. Dominican University Online

Are you switching grade levels or content areas next year? Do you want to integrate more technology with your curriculum next year but have trouble finding the time to plan and do your research? If what you need is time, and you want to earn credit for it, then check out the Dominican University Online course, Innovative Curriculum Design: Authentic Planning for the 2015-16 School Year. Through this course, you can earn up to 6 credits this summer doing what you already do, planning to become a more effective teacher.

Hopefully you have found something here to pique your interest and save yourself from boredom during the summer months. Keeping up with your learning over the summer can help you feel relaxed, prepared, and excited when the school year starts up again.